The Code of Hammurabi

Summary

In 1901, French archaeologists uncovered a 3,600-year-old pillar in Iran, revealing the ancient Babylonian code of Hammurabi. The stele depicted Hammurabi, the powerful king of Babylon, who unified the Fertile Crescent through a universal set of laws. The code, one of the oldest known, set out harsh punishments for various crimes, including death for theft and other offenses. It also covered areas like malpractice, trade, and even the minimum wage. While laws were not always applied equally, elements of Hammurabi's justice system, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial, still influence modern legal systems today.

Takeaways

• 😀 French archaeologists discovered a 3,600-year-old pillar (stele) in Iran in 1901, with carvings from ancient Mesopotamia.
• 😀 The stele features two figures: the Sun God and Hammurabi, the famous Babylonian king who established a vast empire.
• 😀 Hammurabi unified city-states across the Fertile Crescent by creating a single set of laws to ensure order and justice.
• 😀 The Code of Hammurabi consists of over 250 laws, which are carved on the stele and represent one of the oldest known legal codes.
• 😀 Many laws in the code had severe punishments, such as death, for offenses like robbery, with some punishments being brutal (impalement, burning, drowning).
• 😀 A system of 'trial by river' was used, where the accused's survival or drowning in the Euphrates was seen as evidence of guilt or innocence.
• 😀 Reciprocal justice was a key feature of the code—punishments were often equal to the offense, such as eye-for-eye retribution.
• 😀 The laws were not applied equally; punishments varied based on the social class of the accused and the accuser.
• 😀 Women had fewer rights than men, but some laws protected women’s rights to property, inheritance, and divorce under specific conditions.
• 😀 The Code of Hammurabi addressed various aspects of society, including malpractice, trade, and minimum wages for workers in different occupations.
• 😀 Many elements of Hammurabi’s code, like the presumption of innocence and the right to present evidence, are still present in modern legal systems.

Q & A

What was the significance of the archaeological find in 1901?

In 1901, French archaeologists discovered a massive pillar or stele in Iran, dating back over 3,600 years. This pillar, carved with the laws of Hammurabi, is one of the oldest known legal codes from ancient Mesopotamia and provides valuable insight into the legal and social systems of the time.

Who was Hammurabi and what did he achieve for Babylon?

Hammurabi was the most famous king of Babylon, known for turning Babylon into a powerful empire. He unified the various city-states of the Fertile Crescent and established a single set of laws to maintain order and justice throughout his kingdom.

What was the purpose of the Code of Hammurabi?

The purpose of the Code of Hammurabi was to establish a universal set of laws that would unify the diverse peoples and cities in the Babylonian empire, ensuring order, justice, and the protection of the weak from the strong.

How were punishments determined according to the Code of Hammurabi?

Punishments in the Code of Hammurabi were often severe, with crimes such as robbery or murder leading to death. The punishment was generally reciprocal, meaning the punishment often matched the offense (e.g., an eye for an eye), but it also varied depending on the social class of the accused.

What was the trial by water method described in the Code of Hammurabi?

The trial by water involved throwing an accused person into the Euphrates River. If the person drowned, it was seen as proof of their guilt, while if they survived, they were considered innocent, and the accuser would face punishment.

Were the laws of Hammurabi applied equally to all citizens?

No, the laws were not applied equally. Punishments varied depending on the social class of the accused and the accuser. For example, a high-class individual who harmed a commoner would only have to pay a fine, whereas a commoner would face harsher penalties.

What rights did women have under the Code of Hammurabi?

Although women were generally regarded as having lower status than men, the Code of Hammurabi provided some protections. Women could inherit property, divorce their husbands in cases of neglect or abandonment, and retain their dowries upon separation.

How did the Code of Hammurabi address issues of malpractice and trade?

The Code of Hammurabi included provisions for malpractice and trade, establishing regulations for various professions. It also set minimum wages for certain workers, ensuring fair compensation for labor in various trades such as rope making and pottery.

What role did the Code of Hammurabi play in the development of modern law?

The Code of Hammurabi influenced the foundations of modern law by establishing principles still seen today, such as the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and the ability to provide evidence and witnesses in legal disputes.

Why is the preservation of the stele so important?

The preservation of the stele is crucial because it provides a tangible connection to one of the earliest legal systems in history. It offers valuable insight into the governance, justice, and social structures of ancient Mesopotamia, which have influenced legal systems for thousands of years.